Folding Patents (Class 53/429)
  • Patent number: 5669204
    Abstract: A method of automatically folding an air bag having an end coupled to a retainer and an opposed distal end including flattening and narrowing the bag, providing first and second upright blade assemblies each having individually movable blades between a normal position and an interdigitated position. The bag is positioned between the blade assemblies with the retainer held and the distal end allowed to gradually move toward the retainer. Undulating folds are formed in the bag between the retainer and the distal end by moving a blade of the first assembly into a raised position, moving a blade of the second assembly into a lowered position, and alternately and individually moving each remaining blade into a raised and lowered positions, respectively, while allowing the distal end of the bag to gradually move toward the retainer as each undulating fold is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Automated Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Blaisdell
  • Patent number: 5642601
    Abstract: A method of forming thermal insulation comprising forming recycled cotton fibers into a relatively loose mass, impregnating the cotton fibers with a liquid fire retardant, drying the impregnated cotton fibers, mixing the impregnated cotton fibers with the dry granules of fire retardant while causing the granules to adhere to the cotton fibers, blending the cotton fibers with synthetic springy fibers and with bi-component bonding fibers having core components and sheath components, forming the blended fibers into a composite web of predetermined thickness to provide a desired insulation value, heating the composite web to soften the sheath components of the bi-component fibers to cause the same to bond the fibers together into a bonded composite web, slitting the bonded composite web longitudinally into narrower strips of a predetermined width corresponding to the widths of individual batts of insulation, severing the strips into predetermined lengths to form individual batts, and packaging the individual batt
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Greenwood Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: James Henry Thompson, Jr., Michael Kinard Maffett
  • Patent number: 5640831
    Abstract: A plurality of interconnected envelope blanks are formed from an envelope web of paper. Die cut windows are also formed in each envelope blank of the interconnected web and transparent window patches are adhesively secured over the die cut window. A plurality of inserts from insert webs of paper are formed and may be variably imaged. The inserts are collected and disposed on the interconnected envelope blanks with address information registering through the window. The interconnected blanks and web form with inserts applied are severed to form discrete envelope blanks and later folded and glued to form complete mailers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Moore Business Forms, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie A. Harrod, John F. Slyster, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5636499
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping covering elements around flat objects. The method and apparatus involve the formation of a compound object comprising a flat object to be wrapped and a covering element. A first main surface of the flat object is covered at least partially with a covering element for creating a projecting portion of the covering element. A plurality of compound objects are conveyed in series in a predetermined conveying-in trajectory. Then, a flow of compound objects are deflected about a wrapping roller having a longitudinal axis oriented transversely to the conveying-in trajectory. During deflection, each compound object is moved through a position where main surfaces of an associated flat object are oriented parallel to the radius of the wrapping roller, and in a moving trajectory substantially transverse to those main surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: B.V. Metaverpa
    Inventors: Jan W. Kramps, Henk De Vlaam
  • Patent number: 5619840
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a delivery package (30) of maxi bags (10) and a method for packing maxi bags into a delivery package (30). A delivery package (30) consists of maxi bags (10) placed overlappingly one top of the other, said bags being rolled around a rolling core (20) into a roll package. The edge portions of the maxi bags (10) have been folded prior to being conducted to a rolling core (20) so that in longitudinal direction the maxi bags (10) are essentially of equal thickness, whereby in each maxi bag layer of a delivery package (30) the undesired thickness of the thick handle part of the lifting loop structure (13) of the maxi bags (10) has been made uniform in order to produce a stable delivery package (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Oy W. Rosenlew AB
    Inventors: Per Nyman, Veikko Koivum aki
  • Patent number: 5615537
    Abstract: A method and a device for packing continuously conveyed printed products being conveyed one of individually and in groups by enveloping a product insert with a packing element. The product insert includes one of a single product, a plurality of products supplied in succession and a group of products. A plurality of substantially V-shaped insertion compartments being continuously conveyed in a compartment conveying direction along a closed conveying path are provided, together with a plurality of prefolded packing elements each having a fold in a substantially continuously conveyed stream of packing elements. A respective packing element is successively introduced into each insertion compartment such that the fold of the respective packing element is introduced into a corresponding insertion compartment first. It is then ensured that each respective packing element is in an open position thereby providing open packing elements. Thereafter, a product insert is inserted into each open packing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Jurg Vollenweider
  • Patent number: 5613348
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a new and improved method and apparatus for packing an inflatable air bag cushion into a housing of an air bag module assembly of an occupant restraint system for a motor vehicle. After securing an inlet chute of the air bag cushion in the open end of the housing and placing the air bag on a flat support with a larger portion of the back wall thereof overlaying a small portion of the back wall with the front wall in between in a folded condition, a central portion of the air bag is clamped by a large blade and subsequently a first edge portion is folded over the central portion and a second opposite edge portion is folded over the first edge portion so that opposite edge fold lines extend outwardly just inside opposite ends of the housing. A rolling clamp is attached transversely across the folded air bag and the air bag is rolled-up on an axis moved toward the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Morton International, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry F. Lunt, Michael J. Daines
  • Patent number: 5568717
    Abstract: A stuffed mailing envelope is formed from webs of paper. A plurality of insert sheets are constructed from webs of insert paper by variably imaging the insert webs, and then intelligently aligning them and cutting them into aligned sheets, and then folding the aligned sheets to produce a formed insert. A plurality of interconnected envelope blanks are formed from an envelope web of paper, and a plurality of insert sheets (including the formed insert) are collected and placed on each of the envelope blanks while they are interconnected in web form. Then, while conveying the interconnected envelope blanks in web form, the blanks are severed from each other and are formed around the inserts to produce a final mailing envelope containing a plurality of insert sheets. The envelope blank typically has two parallel minor flaps and two parallel major flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Moore Business Forms, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmie A. Harrod
  • Patent number: 5556086
    Abstract: Postal items are assembled using a system with delivery stations and a folding station. Documents are delivered by the delivery stations. The documents are gathered into a stack having on one side substantially aligned document edges. The stack is supplied to the folding station in a direction transverse to these edges. According to the invention the documents, after being delivered, are displaced relative to each other in an area downstream of the delivery stations and upstream of the folding station until these document edges are substantially aligned on one side of the documents. By virtue of the invention, it is possible, inter alia, to use delivery stations and transport means of simple construction. There is also proposed a system with an aligning station for carrying out the method according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Hadewe B.V.
    Inventors: Christiaan A. Munneke, Jeichienus A. van der Werff
  • Patent number: 5524421
    Abstract: A system for forming and sealing envelopes stuffs each envelope with an insert. Envelope blanks are received and fed to an envelope former. The envelope former partially forms the envelope blanks with a sealed longitudinal end and an open longitudinal end. Insert blanks are fed and are formed into inserts. The inserts are moved along longitudinal axes and into the open longitudinal ends of the partially formed envelope blanks parallel to the envelope longitudinal axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Wallace Computer Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Nauheimer, David J. Nowaczyk, Paul L. Giuntoli
  • Patent number: 5493846
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically folding an air bag to include a bubble fold, and for inserting the folded air bag into a retainer, the air bag having a first end coupled to the retainer and a second end. The apparatus includes a holding fixture for receiving and holding the retainer, a bag folding apparatus for folding the second end of the air bag and leaving a coupling portion coupling the second end to the first end, an inserter assembly for inserting the folded second end into the retainer, and a bubble blade for forming a bubble fold in the coupling portion, the bubble blade movable between a first position intermediate the holding fixture and the inserter assembly for overlying and contacting the coupling portion and a second position removed from intermediate the holding fixture and the inserter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Automated Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Baker, Robert A. Rhinefrank, Larry P. Hulsey, Kenneth C. Blaisdell
  • Patent number: 5471817
    Abstract: An automated system is disclosed for folding vehicle air bags so that a small folded bag profile in a desirable bag deployment pattern results. A machine having a holding fixture for receiving the retainer of an air bag assembly, and a plurality of upright members. A flattened bag with pleated sides is supported above the upright members, and sequentially inserted between the upright members forming undulating folds. The upright members are removed while retaining the undulating folds. The folds are then compressed, sharpening the folds and forming a compact package. The machine also includes an inserter assembly which inserts the folded bag into the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Automated Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Baker, Robert A. Rhinefrank, Larry P. Hulsey
  • Patent number: 5444961
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are capable of producing sealed mailers from sheets of paper at speeds in excess of 200 documents per minute (e.g. 400 documents per minute or more) in an inexpensive manner, including by variably non-impact duplex printing the faces of each sheet with up to thirty six lines of variable data with each line up to ten inches long. The sheets are fed one at a time from a stack and then immediately aligned. Immediately after alignment the first face of each sheet is ink jet printed with variable data, the sheets are inverted and then immediately the second face of each sheet is ink jet printed with variable data. The printed sheets are immediately folded, and if they have adhesive (such as pressure activated adhesive) they are immediately sealed. They may then be sorted, stacked, and tied into bundles. Control of all of the operations is provided by a central computer control which ensures that the processing speed is consistent throughout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Moore Business Forms, Inc.
    Inventors: I. Gerald Doane, John Van de Ven
  • Patent number: 5426915
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for making an envelope from ordinary size, readily available, writing paper. Preferably, the apparatus is a compact desk-top size machine that can be combined with any common office printer, such as a laser printer, or even be incorporated thereinto to form a single machine. The apparatus enables the provision of a system for integrating and simplifying office computerized printing of letters and addressing of envelopes, by using a single paper tray whereby, for example, following the printing of a letter on one or more sheets of paper, the subsequently fed final sheet of paper from the paper tray is routed to the envelope making apparatus, perhaps after the printing of an address on the final sheet, whereby an envelope is created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: G. D. Invention, Ltd.
    Inventor: Gil Davidov
  • Patent number: 5417036
    Abstract: A molded suture retainer is provided for retaining and storing long suture lengths. Both absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures fabricated from natural or synthetic materials can be advantageously retained and stored therein. The retainer is characterized by a wide spiraling oval passageway with minimal convolutions covered by a cover sheet. The length of the passageway is preferably proportional to 1/3 to 1/2 the overall length of the suture to be retained therein. In accordance with the method of the invention, sutures are doubled or tripled over and inserted into the retainer under vacuum. Sutures packaged in accordance with the invention exhibit fewer kinks and bends than prior packaged sutures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventor: David L. Brown
  • Patent number: 5375393
    Abstract: An automated system is disclosed for folding vehicle air bags so that a small folded bag profile in a desirable bag deployment pattern results. A machine having a holding fixture for receiving the retainer of an air bag assembly, and a plurality of upright members. A flattened bag with pleated sides is supported above the upright members, and sequentially inserted between the upright members forming undulating folds. The upright members are removed while retaining the undulating folds. The folds are then compressed, sharpening the folds and forming a compact package. The machine also includes an inserter assembly which inserts the folded bag into the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Automated Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Baker, Robert A. Rhinefrank, Larry P. Hulsey
  • Patent number: 5341622
    Abstract: A suture material pack for surgical suture material. The pack includes a folding card with a base plate and a pair of cover plates adjoining the same in the longitudinal direction. Projecting to one side from the base plate, there is a first holding plate over which a second holding plate may be folded. The holding plates enclose the suture material and they are shorter than the suture material loop. During the placing of the suture material and the closing of the holding plates, the suture material loop can be held at the ends. The cover plates and are then folded onto the base plate and the holding plate folded thereon so that the suture material is protected. The folding card is welded into a foil sheath that is torn open to take out the filament. In doing so, a flap provided at the second cover plate is torn off so as to expose the filament end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: B. Braun SSC AG
    Inventors: Erich Odermatt, Robert Sulzberger
  • Patent number: 5339603
    Abstract: A method for setting a folding station included in an apparatus for preparing items to be mailed. This apparatus further comprises a document-supply station, an envelope-inserter station, transport means interconnecting these stations and setting means for setting at least the folding machine. For setting the fold height of a fold to be formed in a document or stack of documents, data are inputted to the setting means, these data representing the height of an envelope intended as a package for the document or the stack of documents. The fold height is determined and set by the setting means, at least partly depending on the inputted data representing the height of the envelope. The invention enables rapid and reliable setting of a folding station of an apparatus for preparing items to be mailed. The invention further relates to an apparatus for preparing items to be mailed, adapted for carrying out the present method and a folding station adapted for use as a part thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Hadewe B.V.
    Inventors: Jacobus F. Gombault, deceased, Petronella A. Gombault, legal representative, Gerhard Hidding
  • Patent number: 5261210
    Abstract: A molded suture retainer is provided for retaining and storing long suture lengths. Both absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures fabricated from natural or synthetic materials can be advantageously retained and stored therein. The retainer is characterized by a wide spiraling oval passageway with minimal convolutions covered by a cover sheet. The length of the passageway is preferably proportional to 1/3 to 1/2 the overall length of the suture to be retained therein. In accordance with the method of the invention, sutures are doubled or tripled over and inserted into the retainer under vacuum. Sutures packaged in accordance with the invention exhibit fewer kinks and bends than prior packaged sutures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventor: David L. Brown
  • Patent number: 5233812
    Abstract: Jamming or wrinkling of inserts in a pocketed letter with an imaged insert may be avoided by a method of making a business form that includes the steps of providing a first ply (60) including a plurality of longitudinally spaced window forming die cuts (30,64), providing a second ply (72) which is narrower than the first ply (60) and having a plurality of longitudinally spaced variable information receiving spaces (36), one for each die cut (30), die cutting (at 78) the second ply (72) at locations corresponding to individual form lengths and transversely of the length of the ply (72), providing a third ply (80) having a width slightly greater than the second ply (72) and substantially less than the first ply (80), collating the plies (60,72,80) (at 88) such that the information receiving spaces (36) align with a corresponding one of the windows (30) and adhering with glue (40,42,48) the first and third plies together, and thereafter transversely cutting the plies (92) to form individual form lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: UARCO Incorporated
    Inventor: Bruce Coppola
  • Patent number: 5230202
    Abstract: In a process for pulling stockings off a stretcher, the stockings are stretched on two essentially U-shaped frames next to one another. The stockings are pulled off the frames means of pull-off belts placed laterally against the narrow side of the frame. While the stockings are being pulled off the stretcher, folding of the stockings is already being initiated, ensuring correct position of the fold and ruling out later changes in shape. Preferable the folding apparatus has a package liner feeder, so that the stockings are folded around a package liner under tension. This completely rules out later shrinkage of the stockings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: August Krempel Sohne GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Hans-Walter Propach, Werner Muller
  • Patent number: 5214903
    Abstract: A novel method for the packing of decorative lighting strings comprises forming an intermediate section of conductor wire between each pair of adjacent light bulbs into an independent loop and hiding under the unutilized space available behind the light bulbs where stacking rack is optionally provided so that the space originally required to accommodate the conductor wire in the aisle between two parallel rows of string stored can be substantially reduced. The invention relates also to the structure of the package developed based upon said method as well as fastening means for steadily stacking up or extending sidewise of said packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Inventors: Sen H. Chen, Jeou N. Tseng, Jeng-Shyong Wu
  • Patent number: 5185987
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring stacks of flexible products is disclosed including a flat plate base support structure having a top and bottom; at least a first pair of clamping means releasably attached to the top of the support structure for clamping a first stack of flexible products; and an actuating means releasably attached to said first pair of clamping means; said actuating means adapted for substantially simultaneously actuating the at least first pair of clamping means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Dowbrands Inc
    Inventors: Robert R. Turvey, Jeffrey S. Hoffman, Robert J. Nestle
  • Patent number: 5177934
    Abstract: A packaged toilet paper made up with a strip of toilet paper which is folded zigzag into a rectangular parallelepipedic body and vacuum-packaged with an airtight synthetic resin sheet, and a method of manufacturing a packaged toilet paper by folding a strip of toilet paper zigzag into a rectangular parallelepipedic body, sealing the rectangular parallelepipedic body of toilet paper with an airtight synthetic resin sheet, and by executing a vacuum packaging, with flat solid members being put and pressed respectively on the top and bottom faces of the toilet paper sealed with said synthetic resin sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Daiho Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshitomo Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5175977
    Abstract: A kit comprises a tray with a well for a tourniquet, a dressing to use with a medical device inserted into a blood vessel. An antimicrobial treatment in the well disinfects an area of skin through which the medical device punctures the vessel. A pair of juxtaposed gloves with the finger ends, the hand parts and the cuff portions against one another are rolled up along their longitude from their fingers to their cuffs driving out air entrapped within the gloves. The process of rolling from the fingers to the cuffs leaves the cuffs of each glove at the periphery of the rolled generally cylindrical gloves for access to the inside of each when donning. A method for rolling gloves into a relatively cylindrical package, includes setting the gloves side by side with the finger ends, the hand parts, and the wrist or cuff portions juxtaposed. The finger portions are gathered into an axial bundle and rolled from the finger ends toward the palm or back hand parts driving out air within the gloves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Crawford, T. Andrew Guhl, J. Robert Stanley
  • Patent number: 5140799
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of folding away an air bag installed in front of the front passenger seat of an automobile. The bag has outwardly swelling longer side portions. The method is initiated by folding the longer side portions inwardly of the air bag to straighten both sides of the bag. The width of the shorter side portions perpendicular to the longer side portions is made slightly less than the width of an air bag case. Then, the bag is folded in alternate directions into zig-zag shape to create folds at right angles to the straightened sides. The folded bag is inserted into the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Satoh
  • Patent number: 5138821
    Abstract: A method and appaaratus for selective high-speed insertion of sheets from a plurality of webs into envelopes provides a mechanism for folding and inserting sheets into preformed envelopes. Preformed envelopes are provided for folding and inserting from a source that may be a roll. A plurality of sheets are fed for folding and inserting into envelopes. A leading sheet from each of the webs is selectively driven and cut at a collection point for folding and inserting. The selecting of sheets for feeding and cutting may be accomplished by means of a CPU that may include a bar code detection system disposed along each of the webs. A system for widening the openings of envelopes to facilitate insertion of contents may also be included. This system may comprise a strip along each of the envelopes is a stream that includes a folded section within each opening or may comprise tabs disposed along an opening side of each envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Roll Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: H. W. Crowley
  • Patent number: 5136825
    Abstract: An apparatus for compacting flexible, compactible articles, comprising a pair of vertically upwardly extending and converging wall members, a platform arranged with the wall members for relative vertical movement therebetween, and a tongue member arranged with the wall members for relative vertical movement therebetween. The wall members have limit stop means associated therewith, so that during relative movement between the wall members and tongue member, the platform engages the limit stop means. Subsequently, relative movement takes place between the tongue member and the wall members and between the platform and the tongue member, such that at the end of such relative movements, the tongue member extends upwardly above upper ends of the wall members, following which the movements are reversed. An appertaining method of compacting a flexible, compactible article is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Family Health International
    Inventor: Edwin C. White, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5113637
    Abstract: An article of manufacture comprises a plurality of nested plastic bags for use in lining containers such as garbage cans or waste paper baskets. The assembly is manufactured by placing successive plastic bags over a jig. The upper edges of the plastic bags are adhered to each other, for example, by conventional heat sealing means. The adherence between individual bags is such that the innermost bag can be separated readily from the remaining bags after the assembly is placed within a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Inventor: Edward S. Gelbard
  • Patent number: 5095682
    Abstract: A mailer product and apparatus and method in which a first sheet is printed by a computer printer and then augmented by a second sheet prior to entering folding means, one of the sheets being twice transversely folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Wallace Computer Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Steidinger
  • Patent number: 5083414
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for packaging birth control and disease preventing device that has sheath and shield, and more particularly to a method having steps including: pleats the protecting shield toward tubular sheath forming a pleated star-like shape near the closed end of the sheath, bends the pleated star-like shape portion of the shield close to the tubular sheath forming a whirled-like cylindrical tubular, rolls the secure-and-rolled-up ring in the longitudinal direction toward the closed end of the sheath, and packs the rolled-up device into a water proof sealed container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventor: Cheng M. Wu
  • Patent number: 5048263
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for folding a sock cuff, which comprises a blade mounted on and projecting from a support, a first carriage mounted for reciprocal movement along and over said blade and having first gripping means adapted to space and grip the open end of a sock such that movement of the carriage along the blade will substantially envelop the blade with the sock, a second carriage mounted for reciprocal movement along said blade and having second gripping means adapted to move transversely to the blade to grip the sock covering said blade, and means for actuating (i) said carriage to reciprocally move said carriage along said blade, (ii) said first gripping means to grip and release the open end of said sock and, (iii) said second gripping means to reciprocally move said means along the blade and transversely thereto. A process of folding a sock cuff, more particularly, a `walk` sock cuff, is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Pacific Dunlop Limited
    Inventor: David Lau
  • Patent number: 4993210
    Abstract: The packing of a tubular casing segment which has been shired together into a hollow cylindrical shirring formation occurs in a tubular net of such configuration that first, with the shirring accomplished with the aid of an abutment which is movable on the shirring tube, a certain initial segment of the tubular casing length is allowed to be left unshirred. Following termination of the shirring, the shirring tube is withdrawn with the abutment from the tubular shirring formation, and the unshirred tubular casing length segment is narrowed down or swaged and is sealed. Finally the sealed tubular casing length tip is inserted with force into the shirring and together with the shirring is thrust through a cylindrical carrier, in which a tubular net is recovered which is sealed to the tubular shirring. This is turned inside out with the thrusting through of the tubular shirring and surrounds this part along its entire length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: Gunter Kollross
  • Patent number: 4972650
    Abstract: A pair of hose are mounted on a card for purpose of display or sale the card being inserted into one hose and the other hose being placed inside the first hose, between the latter and one surface of the card. Machinery for so assembling the hose and card has two supports and means to transfer a first hose from its support with eversion, to a holder in which a former is held. The second hose is everted by suction into its support and is then conveyed pneumatically into a hollow interior of the holding means, thereby placing it inside the first hose, to one side of the former. The former and the two hose assembled therewith are extracted from the holder, the first hose slipping from around the holder into an encircling relationship in contact with the former.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Detexomat Machinery Limited
    Inventors: Noel Egea, Corinne Olive
  • Patent number: 4950511
    Abstract: A roll of greenhouse film consisting of slit tubular plastic film wherein the longitudinal edges of the plastic film are folded over about 180.degree. to an imaginary longitudinal line drawn substantially through the center of a surface of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Tredegar Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Francis
  • Patent number: 4949528
    Abstract: A recycling bag assembly is formed from a series of plastic bags similar to trash or garbage bags temporarily secured together by heat tacking or otherwise. The individual bags are usually color coded to facilitate identification of the solid waste material that is to be collected in them for collection and transport to a disposal facility. A method of widespread regular controlled distribution of the bag assemblies is also provided by inserting or otherwise combining the bag assemblies with newspapers prior to delivery of such papers and subsequent delivery of the bag assemblies with such papers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Inventor: Robert A. Palik
  • Patent number: 4948638
    Abstract: A roll of greenhouse film which is a large sheet of flattened tubular plastic film wherein the longitudinal edges of the plastic film are folded back over a surface of the film about 180.degree. toward an imaginary longitudinal line drawn substantially through the center of a surface of the film. The so-folded sheet is then longitudinally rolled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Tredegar Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Francis
  • Patent number: 4922685
    Abstract: Pantihose garments are mounted on a card for purpose of display or sale, the card being inserted into one leg of the pantihose and parts of the pantihose unsupported by the card are folded and disposed to one side of the card-supported part of the leg. Exemplary machinery for so assembling the pantihose and card comprises a boarding machine which has a flat support with two support limbs for the pantihose legs; a dispenser places a card on one of the limbs and the pantihose is pulled waistband first onto the support and thereafter is pulled from the support toes first; the card slips from the limb as the pantihose is pulled off the support and is retained inside the pantihose leg which is stretched flat upon the card therein. Subsequently the pantihose is folded as aforesaid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Detexomat Machinery Limited
    Inventor: Michael J. Hodges
  • Patent number: 4912909
    Abstract: A direct mail article (75) comprising an envelope containing at least one separate enclosure sheet (30, 40, 50, 140, 150, 230) and a separate postcard reply device (33, 133) which can be personalized is made from one or more composite sheets (14, 14',114, 214) of a continuous web (10A, 10B, 100) of relatively light-weight paper stock. In the preferred embodiment, the mailing article is formed from two webs (10A, 10B) of light weight paper stock and the postcard reply device (33) of sufficient weight to meet postal regulations is formed by bonding appropriately printed sections 32a, 32b) of the web together and then separating the enclosure sheets (30, 40, 50) and reply device (33) after both have been folded into the envelope, thus ensuring that mismatching of personalized letters and envelopes does not occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Kurt H. Volk, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Stenner
  • Patent number: 4912910
    Abstract: A unique and novel storage package and method and apparatus for making the same wherein differences in dimension between the outer receptacle and a package stored therein are compensated by a unique corrugated spacer to provide snug storage, such as in the packaging of cigarette packs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation
    Inventors: Byron L. Lowe, Robert T. Lewis
  • Patent number: 4905453
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing nested polyethylene bags utilizes a web of polyethylene material having a tubular cross-sectional configuration which is fed through seaming means to form a seam transverse the web. Material transporting means transports the seamed web onto a generally planar mandrel. Severing means are provided for severing the web into individual bags and includes means for separating the walls of the web to accommodate the material transporting means grasping the web. After a predetermined number of individual bags are nested on the mandrel, the mandrel is indexed to a position adjacent a rolling means which rolls the batch of nested bags into a roll on a pair of mutually rotating wrapping rods. The wrapping rods are subsequently withdrawn from the roll and the roll is folded along a longitudinal axis by a ram which applies a force to the center of the roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Inventor: Barton G. Siebring
  • Patent number: 4897982
    Abstract: A plastic bag lined container is disclosed which includes four sides, a bottom and a top, with the container including a plastic bag liner loosely disposed therein which at least covers the container sidewalls. Incorporating a plastic liner in the container for discharge of elastic tapes or threads substantially reduces friction against the sidewalls during high speed discharge, while providing air pockets for even packing along the sidewalls, achieving uniform tension in the material during discharge to assure relatively precise elastic elongation in final products wherein the elastic tapes or threads are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Fulflex International Co.
    Inventors: Victor S. Day, David A. Collette
  • Patent number: 4890753
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical bottle having a neck region with an open end, pills therein, a fibrous hygroscope member, such as a cotton wad, in the neck region of said bottle and a closure cap sealing the bottle opening. The neck region has on its inner surface a leaflet retaining ring which serves to hold the leaflet in place within the bottle immediately after the insertion. The tendency of the leaflet to unfold or open, causes the edges of the leaflet to engage the retaining ring and to be held in place at least until the bottle is sealed. The leaflet is in compression engagement with the fibrous hygroscope member, such that the pills are substantially prevented from moving relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Creative Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: George Duryee, Allen M. Bartlo
  • Patent number: 4881358
    Abstract: A method of packaging articles of a compressible material, such as cleaning sponges, according to which a blank of arbitrary length is cut such that its thickness corresponds to the thickness of the article and its width corresponds to the longest dimension of the article. The blank is folded lengthwise along its center line once and is then again folded along the center line of the once folded blank a second time. The blank, thus folded twice, is advanced through a piece of piping the outer jacket face of which serves as a shaping template for shaping a web of foil into a tubular cover enclosing the blank and the piece of piping coaxially. The tubular cover is brought along by the advancing twice-folded blank at the discharge end of the piece of the piping and the twice-folded blank is cut while enclosed in the tubular cover, into pieces in such a manner that the length of the blank corresponds to the width of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Shampoo Sponge International B.V.
    Inventor: Anders Berg
  • Patent number: 4858414
    Abstract: A packing case for sheet material consisting of a container having walls that may be lowered and are kept together in a raised condition by a cover member, whereby the removal of the cover member causes the box to open and to give full accessibility to the contents of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Wully, S.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Meschi
  • Patent number: 4841714
    Abstract: The method for ordering a coherent packaging line is characterized in that prior to cutting the coherent packaging line into product portions, the latter are arranged in loop form, so that the loop apexes formed can be used for manipulation purposes. It is used for storage in transportable large units or for intermediate buffer storage during the packaging process. The apparatus is characterized by a conveying means with receptacles for positioning the loop apexes and at least one collecting device cooperating with the conveying means and having at least one gripper receiving the packaging line from the packaging machine and used for the formation of loop apexes, the collecting device being able to perform a collecting stroke enabling the packaging line received from the gripper to be transferred to a receptacle on the conveying means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Jacques Meier
  • Patent number: 4840013
    Abstract: A machine and process is provided for sinuously folding a batt of bulky non-woven fibrous material such as glass fiber and inserting the folded batt into a container such as a bag. The machine has a support table having first and second sections separated by an intermediate section, and the intermediate section has a first series of stationary, transversely extending rotatable rollers arranged along it, and a second series of movable, transversely extending rotatable rollers supported by vertically movable mountings which allow the movable rollers to be moved from an initial raised position, in which they are raised above and separated by a gap from the stationary rollers, to a lowered position in which they are below the stationary rollers so that the stationary and movable rollers are over-lapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Graham Fiber Glass Limited
    Inventor: Guido Perrella
  • Patent number: 4827693
    Abstract: A pair of hose are mounted on a card for purpose of display or sale the card being inserted into one hose and the other hose being placed inside the first hose, between the latter and one surface of the card. Machinery for so assembling the hose and card has two supports and means to transfer a first hose from its support with eversion, to a holder in which a former is held. The second hose is everted by suction into its support and is then conveyed pneumatically into a hollow interior of the holding means, thereby placing it inside the first hose, to one side of the former. The former and the two hose assembled therewith are extracted from the holder, the first hose slipping from around the holder into an encircling relationship in contact with the former.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Detexomat Machinery, Limited
    Inventors: Noel Egea, Corinne Olive
  • Patent number: 4781293
    Abstract: A dressing delivery system comprising an adhesive-coated dressing, a release liner and a package are arranged such that the package acts as the means for applying the dressing to a skin area, with the opening of the package and the application of the dressing being accomplished in a single step. A simple method of preparing the dressing delivery system is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Owen L. Johns
  • Patent number: 4773202
    Abstract: Method and apparatus, to be utilized by a newspaper carrier on a "vehicle route," for mechanically folding and bagging newspapers and like articles. A continuous length of heat-sealable polymeric film, wider than the newspaper or other article, is arranged along a generally horizontal feed path to form a folding station. The newspaper or like article is fed to the folding station of apparatus in parallel overlying relation to the film. A vertically reciprocal, motorized folder bar extends transversely across and above the film at a point substantially centrally located in the folding station. The folder bar is movable between an upper position above the feed path and a lower position below the feed path where there is formed a pouch of film surrounding the folded newspaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: IPI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney D. Felts, James R. Hartsoe, Wayne C. Thomas